New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 33/04C | Page 68

Project
Scanlan Lofts
Location:
Auckland
Architect:
Leuschke Kahn Architects
Developer:
Phi Group
MAX HEADROOM
Presented with a tight, height-restricted infill site, Leuschke Kahn Architects came
up with a creative solution for their developer client and the future homeowners
As more demands are put on the land in our
city fringe suburbs, sections once taken up with
single dwellings are being re-developed for multiple
residences and apartments. These developments
often call for imaginative designs that both meet the
needs for greater housing density and respect the
existing neighbours at the same time.
At first sight, this narrow 506m 2 Auckland site,
zoned for mixed use, seemed like an opportunity to
develop a medium-rise residential tower. But there
were height restrictions attached due to the close
proximity of the neighbours, says architect Paul
Leuschke, of Leuschke Kahn Architects.
“A tall apartment building wasn’t an option.
However, because of its position high on the ridge,
there was the possibility of getting great views out
over the suburb and harbour beyond if the new
design could see over the apartment building imme-
diately downhill to the site,” says Leuschke.
After considering several options for his clients,
Phi Group, Leuschke eventually settled on a row of
contemporary, high-end terraced townhouses.
“At that time, Auckland hadn’t really embraced
the idea of terraced housing – we simply didn’t
have the planning rules for them,” he says.
“It was either a stand-alone house or apartments.
There was nothing in between, which is a shame,
especially in these fringe suburbs where terraced
housing would sit more sympathetically alongside
the traditional housing stock.
“Given the circumstances of the site, I felt it was
more important to provide daylight and views to the
living spaces by inverting the traditional model and
having the bedrooms on the lower floor.”